To celebrate and honor the achievements and contributions African Americans have made in the United States, Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS) will recognize some of the extraordinary Black attorneys who have made an impact in Minnesota.

SMRLS starts its Black History Month spotlight series with Jessie Nicholson, CEO of SMRLS. Dubbed “The Torchbearer,” Nicholson is the first black woman to hold the title of CEO at SMRLS and she began helming the organization in 2007. She has been a leader in the Minnesota legal community for almost 4 decades, sitting on several boards including the University of St. Thomas Law School. A stalwart of civil legal aid throughout her career, Nicholson has been recognized locally and nationally for her efforts.

Meet "The Torchbearer" and read more about her and other luminaries such as The Chief, The Activist, The Honorable, and more at Celebrating Black History Month — Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (smrls.org).